WOTIF LAUNCESTON WAS THE AUSSIE TOWN OF THE YEAR? Leading travel site Wotif.com recently announced the winners of the 2022 Aussie Town of the Year Awards with Launceston taking home the travel crown, marking Tasmania’s inaugural win as travel demand for the island state soars. Go Tassie! With 2022 set to be the year we reclaim our travel freedom with Aussies now free to travel across all states, their research also reveals: •8 8% of Aussies planning to travel in 2022 want to stay local • 7 1% plan to travel interstate as over half (53%) say they haven’t travelled interstate since the start of the pandemic •C lose to a third (31%) say that even with international travel reopening, they plan to stay within Australia •A quarter (24%) are planning to visit somewhere new within Australia in 2022 Now in its fifth year, Wotif’s annual Aussie tourism awards are based on a data index looking at affordability, quality, and traveller reviews. Recognising the country’s top destinations for the year ahead, the awards couldn’t come at a better time to encourage Aussie travellers to make up for lost time and explore Australia. With Launceston takes home this year’s crown, parents planning their next great family getaway will find plenty of holiday
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inspiration from this year’s winners. Whether it’s catching a rare glimpse of Hervey Bay’s (QLD) famed Humpback Whales, enjoying Tamworth’s (NSW) country charm and hospitality, or spending the day at the adventurer enthusiast’s paradise in Halls Gap (VIC). More reasons than one makes Launceston number one As Launceston claims this year’s top spot, research commissioned by Wotif indicates 21% of Aussies say their desire to travel to Tasmania has grown in the last 12+ months, led by NSW and VIC travellers. Whether it’s fresh air, delicious food or relaxation that you’re after, Tasmania is what so many people have been looking for over the last two years. Launceston’s fresh produce, renowned sparkling wine and commitment to great food is world-famous and with some of Tasmania’s most spectacular natural landmarks just a short drive away, including the Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park and the Bay of Fire, it’s no surprise that demand for the city has grown by over 125% on Wotif.com. Offering great affordability, with several new hotels in the city and endless experiences on offer, a trip to Launceston is every bit worth the hype.